It became operational on 1 February 2006. This being the date of the formal inauguration of the Commission and issuing of authority cards to the Director and Deputy Director by His Excellency, President Hifikepunye Pohamba took place on 1 February 2006.

The main function of the Commission is to combat corruption through investigation, prevention and public education. The Commission thus has a three-pronged approach in fighting corruption. The Commission is mandated under section 3 of the Anti-Corruption Act to –

receive or initiate and investigate allegations of corrupt practices;

refer an allegation to any other appropriate authority for investigation or action;

consult, co-operate and exchange information with appropriate bodies or authorities, including bodies or

authorities of other countries that are authorised to conduct investigations in relation to corrupt practices;

prevent the occurrence of corrupt practices;

investigate any conduct of a person employed by a public body or private body which may be connected with or conducive to corrupt practices;

examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies and private bodies;

advise public bodies and private bodies on ways of preventing corrupt practices;

educate the public on the dangers of corruption;

enlist and foster public confidence and support in combating corruption.

The commission receives oral and written complaints from members of the public and other institutions. Some members of the public prefer to report anonymously or give an indication that their identities should be protected. The commission has also mandate to initiate investigations Complaints may be submitted:-
a) In person to ACC offices
b) By post or email
c) By phoning or faxing us; or
d) By using any method convenient to you.

The Director and Deputy Director are appointed by the National Assembly upon nomination by the President. The Director and Deputy Director are appointed on a full-time basis for five years and may be reappointed upon expiry of their term of office. The President determines the conditions of service of the Director and Deputy Director with the confirmation by the National Assembly.

The commission receives oral and written complaints from members of the public and other institutions. Some members of the public prefer to report anonymously or give an indication that their identities should be protected. The commission has also mandate to initiate investigations
Complaints may be submitted:-
a) In person to ACC offices
b) By post or email
c) By phoning or faxing us; or
d) By using any method convenient to you.

The Commission has established a Free Hotline number 0800 222 888 through which the public anywhere in the country can reach the Commission. In addition, the Commission intends to, within the very near future, establish at least two regional offices and introduce mobile report centres to make itself more accessible to the public. This, of course, depends on the availability of funds. Once the Directorate of Education and Corrupt Prevention is fully operational, the Commission will be more proactive with its outreach activities to sensitise the public on the dangers of corruption and on reporting procedures.

Yes. In terms of section 3 of the Anti-Corruption Act, the Commission may consult, co-operate and exchange information with appropriate bodies or authorities, including authorities or bodies of other countries that are authorised to conduct inquiries or investigations in relation to corrupt practices. The Commission frequently interacts with the Namibian Police as some of the complaints are of such a nature that it requires an investigation by the Police and not the Commission. In the fight against corruption, the Commission has to ensure, in addition to the Namibian Police, that it has good working relations with offices such as the Office of the Ombudsman, Office of the Auditor-General, Office of the Prosecutor-General and even the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts.

Yes. The Commission is an independent and impartial body that is accountable to the Namibian people through the National Assembly by way of an annual report that the Director submits to the Prime Minister for tabling in the National Assembly. This guarantees the Commission’s independence and ensures that it can perform it’s functions without fear of any interference.

WHAT WE DO
The mandate of the Anti-Corruption Commission is primarily carried out by Directorate of Investigations and Prosecution, Directorate of Public Education and Corruption Prevention and is supported by the Division Administration.

DIRECTORATE OF INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTION IS MANDATED TO:
• Register and evaluate complaints from whistle-blowers;
• Inform whistle-blowers regarding the Commission’s decision on a reported complaint;
• Refer complaints to other institutions and obtain feedback;
• Investigate cases approved by the Director-General(DG);
• Provide investigation findings and recommendation thereof to the Director-General;
• Prepare and forward prosecution dockets to the Prosecutor-General (PG) for decisions;
• Manage criminal matters earmarked for prosecution up to conclusion.

DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION IS MANDATED TO:
• Educate the public on the evils of corruption and instill ethical values;
• Prevent corruption in public and private bodies;

• Conduct National Corruption Perception Surveys.

DIVISION ADMINISTRATION:
The Division Administration consists of five subdivisions namely Finance, Human Resources and Learning and Development, Auxiliary Services, Information Technology and Internal Audit. The Division is responsible to provide prudent financial management, advisory services on issues pertaining to Human Resources, Support Services, ICT Services, and evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance process.